Friday, April 8, 2011

Anna Hazare Fights Against Corruption - Beginning of a Social revolution?

It is all over the news. One man fasting to bring about the Jan Lokpal bill. Who is he? Anna Hazare is an ex-army man who fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. He is a social activist who has been involved in various projects that brought about improvements in the quality of life of many people, for which he was decorated with the Padma Bhushan award, by the Indian Government.

Anna Hazare, a 73-year-old Gandhian started the campaign on 7th April 2011 by going on a fast in the hot sun, that he will maintain till his death unless the Government agrees to consider a powerful law that could rid Indian politics of the scourge of corruption. He has taken a similar stance as that of the great Mahatma Gandhi to fight for this cause, which is very courageous and he is very determined to get the desired results. This powerful law would give an independent body the power to punish corruption -- even in the Prime Minister’s office.

Veteran social activist and Gandhian Anna Hazare has written an open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In the letter dated April 6, 2011, Hazare has raised many questions and sought the Prime Minister's reply. The full text of the letter is available at ibnlive.in.com.

For many years now, the Indian government and the various politicians, bureaucrats and political parties have been involved in shady corrupt practices that involved crores of rupees and scams, but nobody has been punished to date because the justice system itself takes so many years to function. It has become a habit now. So much so that not a single task can be done without bribing an official, be it any office. This cannot spell good for any nation's economical progress and growth. So it is in our best interest to see such a law being enforced that would make the politicians and various office bearers responsible and accountable for their deeds and actions. Anna Hazare has initiated the movement, sent the ball rolling, so to speak. What is this cause?

"Hazare is championing a citizen-developed bill called “Jan” Lokpal that will create an independent body, selected by judges, citizens and constitutional authorities, with enough power to investigate and punish all politicians. No minister or bureaucrat will be able to influence its investigations.

Since 1968, when this bill was first introduced, greedy politicians have thwarted its passing. Now the government is pushing for a watered down Lokpal with no hope of ending fraud, vice and dishonesty -- it gives politicians overriding power to decide who will be investigated, and is a complete sellout.

Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to endorse the "Jan" Lokpal. Members of the opposition party have begun to make the right noises in support of Anna Hazare. And even the National Advisory Council, a powerful advisory body to Sonia Gandhi have come out in favour of the bill. But corrupt politicians and vested interests are doing all they can to kill it.

Anna Hazare has set the example. But only a national citizens movement can ramp up the pressure to get Mr. Manmohan Singh to endorse “Jan” Lokpal and save Hazare's life."

We can all make a difference, bytaking part in the social movement.For the first time in forty three years, we have the chance to change the way politics is done. Let's join together and stand with Anna Hazare to tackle corruption and clean up Indian politics. We have no time to lose -- sign the petition to be delivered directly to Prime Minister Singh and reported to the media, and spread the word to everyone: (an initiative taken by the website called Avaaz.org)

So far, 223,393 have signed.the petition. The word is soon spreading like wild fire. Lots of people have joined the movement from various parts of the country. The social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are being used to spread the word and garner support from the people and get their votes and signatures. I have also done my bit, by updating the news about Hazare on my facebook page. You can do it too. This video of Anna Hazare message against corruption is being circulated on facebook right now. you can share it too.

After watching this video, share it with your friends and be part of this social movement against corruption. Play your part by making people aware that one man is fighting for us all, it is time for us to support him.

Breaking News: In a latest development, "Kapil Sibal rejects Anna's demand to form a joint committee, Anna urges the nation to start Jail Bharo Aandolan - 12th April is the day!"

Today, 8th April 2011 is the third day of his fast , And Delhi has shown support to Anna Hazare by calling this a "Shor Machao" day! Location: India Gate at 6:30 PM Friday. Bethere to make some noise.

New Delhi: India Inc Friday extended support to social activist Anna Hazare in his fight against corruption, stating it is "sick" of the menace.

"We support any such movement by anybody, including Ramdev and Anna Hazare, to reduce corruption soon... We are sick of corruption," leading industrialist and Bajaj Auto Chairman Rahul Bajaj said. Adi Godrej, the Chairman of the Godrej Group, also extended support to Hazare, who has been sitting on a fast-unto-death since Tuesday to press for an effective Lokpal Bill to deal with corruption in high places. "Industry cannot go on streets. Yes, corporate India does support his cause. We are with him," said Godrej.